The Carolina Panthers threw an interception on their first pass play, but it wasn’t Cam Newton who threw it. The reigning NFL MVP was on the sideline for the Panthers’ first possession, replaced by Derek Anderson.

Newton confirmed an NBC report after the game that he was benched for a dress-code violation, specifically not wearing a tie on the team flight from San Jose, Calif. to Seattle.

“I didn’t follow dress code, and Coach told me I wasn’t going to start. I stand by his decision,” Newton said after the Panthers were crushed by the Seahawks, 40-7.

Newton returned to the field after the Seahawks turned Anderson’s interception into a field goal.

This is what Newton reportedly wore to Sunday night’s game.

Ron Rivera on Cam: "It was a travel dress code violation." …Rivera said he wanted to treat Cam as he treats everyone. Cam's attire: pic.twitter.com/ZhDP0FE1yE